Electrotype, patinated copper, after the original bronze socket for a flag pole in St Mark's Square, Venice, by Alessandro Leopardi, Venice, in 1505. Cast by Giovanni Franchi and Son in London, 1861.

Electrotype Copy of a socket for a standard, after the bronze original in the Piazza di S. Marco, Venice. One of three flagstaffs commissioned from Leopardi by Doge Leonardo Loredan (reigned 1501-21). The latter's portrait appears in four medallions on the flagstaff. The flagstaff shows the winged lion of St. Mark, the emblem of the Venetian Republic, and around the base are seascapes with classicizing figures. Here, allegorical figures of Wisdom, Charity and Justice are shown riding above the waves with attendants.

Purchased from Messrs Franchi & Son together with museum no. 1863-3 in 1863 for £205

One of three flagstaffs commissioned from Leopardi by Doge Leonardo Loredan (reigned 1501-21). The latter's portrait appears in four medallions on the flagstaff, and he is recorded in the inscription which runs around three bands on the original, but is not reproduced in this copy. It reads: OPTIMO PRINCIPE/LEONARDO LAVREDANO/DVCE VENETIAN. EIVS IIII./PROCVR.ECCLES./S.MARCI./PAVLO BARBO/M.ANTO.MAVROC.EQ/NICOL. TRIVISANO/ANNO DOMINI MCCCCCV MENS.ABG.OPVS ALEXANDRI LEOPARDI ((Given) by the great prince Leonardo Loredan, Doge of Venice in the fourth year of his reign (and supervised by) the procurators of the church of S. Marco, Paulo Barbo., M. Anto. Mauroc., knight, Nicol Trivisano, in the year of Our Lord 1505 in the month of August. The work of Alessandro Leopardi). The three flagstaffs all show the winged lion of St Mark, the emblem of the Venetian Republic, and around their bases are seascapes with classicizing figures. Here, allegorical figures of Wisdom, Charity and Justice are shown riding above the waves with attendants.

REPRO.1863-2